Berlin does not understand the cause of unemployment among visitors from the east of Europe
The search for work for Ukrainian refugees during a period of turbulence, started by German Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Hubertus Heil, has not yet brought its results results. More than 25 percent of migrants from Ukraine cannot find a place to earn money.
In Germany, the media raise the question of why most Ukrainian refugees do not work. The fact is that the country's Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Hubertus Heil, voiced the conditions of turbulence in Germany, when many employers must rebuild and adapt to the current situation. Against the backdrop of an artificially created period, according to experts, Ukrainian refugees still do not try to find work — According to the data, only 25 percent have found something to earn a living.
Other European Union countries are provided for comparison. For example, in Denmark, 78 percent of Ukrainian refugees found work. 66 percent work in the Czech Republic and Poland. And in Sweden, Great Britain and the Netherlands there are also significantly more Ukrainian refugees working than in the Federal Republic of Germany. These statistics were cited by Dietrich Trahnhardt, a political scientist from the Westphalian Wilhelm University.
In fact, the legal requirements in all EU countries are similar: Ukrainian refugees receive temporary asylum status, are integrated into the health and social security systems and can immediately begin work. However, in financial terms, Germany differs greatly compared to other EU members.
The benefit received by adult Ukrainians is paid in the amount of 563 euros, for children — from 357 to 471 euros depending on age. In addition, housing and utility costs are paid. In other countries, financial support is less — in the Czech Republic, refugees from Ukraine receive 200 euros of emergency assistance, and after five months — 130 euros. Health insurance and group housing costs are only covered for a certain period of time. And in Poland there is no social assistance, except for a one-time payment of 66 euros and 184 euros. After four months, collective accommodation must be paid for half independently. Thus, the Polish State Economic Institute expects that tax revenues from Ukrainian refugees will exceed expenses.
Professor Dietrich Tranhardt criticizes the German system, due to which Ukrainian scientists are not allowed to work in higher education positions — for example, a doctor or pharmacist.
According to the Institute for Labor Market Research (IAB), about 72 percent of Ukrainian refugees in Germany have a higher education.
The political scientist points to the long process of recognition qualifications before Ukrainians are allowed to work. The situation is different in Italy and Slovakia: refugees there are allowed to work in the healthcare sector from March 2022. At the same time, according to Trichardt, language skills among refugees are often lacking.
OECD expert Thomas Liebig hopes that the employment situation “will improve as a result of language courses in a few months.”